US Officials ‘Deeply Divided’ On Military Aid to Yemen

The Obama Administration has made much of the threat posed by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), an auxiliary group based in Yemen. So much has been made, in fact, that they are seeking a massive escalation of US military funding to Yemen. Not everyone is keen on it, however.

Yemen is involved in three internal wars right now, including secessionist movements on both sides of the country. As the US pumps money, arms and inevitably troops into the nation it seems a foolish notion to imagine they will only be used against AQAP, and not to prop up Saleh’s government against whatever other foes it has created.

One thought on “US Officials ‘Deeply Divided’ On Military Aid to Yemen”

The best solution for Yemen is for the US to get actively involved in the current negotiation between Saleh and the opposition front.For Yemen to return to normalcy,Saleh be prevented from entering the 2013 Presidential election and another alternative be sought to replace him provided that priority is given to building the counrty not the family.American engagment should not be confined to fighting Al-Qaeda but should also be expanded to include deep governmental restructuring that will regulate Saleh's powers and at the same time deprive Alqaeda and other oppositin forces,the reasons to continue launching their struggle against Saleh's family rule. If the US presist on singling out Alqaeda as the sole reason for their involvement, without addressing the real reasons that gave rise to this phenomenon,chances are the US will find itself walking a tight rope with Alqaeda waiting at the receiving end. Its therefore,advisible for the US to hold a serious discussion with Saleh and convince him to step aside before a more reactionary regime takes hold of the country .Its true that Yemen is not a Somali category yet,but certainly shares the same symptoms.